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Baggage limits and restrictions, though generally regulated by the FAA, vary somewhat from airline to airline.
Generally speaking, on international flights to Europe (applicable for any connecting legs within the U.S. that are part of your flight to Europe), you may bring two large suitcases (typically not more than 50 lbs each) for check-in and one carry-on plus one personal item. Weight and size dimensions vary considerably, so check at the link below; personal items typically include a laptop in its carrying case or a bag of duty-free items bought at the airport.
Airline-by-airline baggage specifications for international flights can be found on Cheapoair.com
We recommend wheels for all luggage, checked in as well as carry-on. If you MUST bring two large suitcases on your trip, use a backpack as your carry-on item so you can always carry all of your luggage with you at all times. Remember that you will have to carry your own luggage. There are precious few elevators and taxis are expensive! There are platform changes at the train stations that require walking down the platform, descending the stairs, ascending stairs, and walking down the next platform. You must also be able to lift your baggage and place it in the overhead storage shelves in your railway compartment. Don’t pack suitcases that are heavier than you can lift above your head.
If you are bringing US. appliances running on 110 volts, you will also need to bring a converter for them since European current runs at 220 volts. Also, some electrical sockets may not be the right size for the converter you buy, so get a conversion kit. these cost around $20 and are available in luggage and/or department stores and, probably most easily, online. More information about European electricity standards and sockets are available on About.com
Average temperatures for Arezzo in June and July are 79F and 86F in the day, and 52F and 57F at night, respectively. Average precipitation is 2.05 inches in June and 1.46 inches in July. These are averages, and especially the month of June can be a bit unpredictable, so bring a variety of clothing to cover a variety of temperatures and precipitation.
Casual clothes are appropriate--most students wear jeans or slacks to class (shorts, if it’s hot). Women should bring a nice dress--men a suit (or sport coat) and appropriate shoes for the concert group performances. Instrumentalists should wear all-black for concerts. Every singer should bring a tuxedo or long gown for the major concerts. If possible, bring wrinkle-resistant clothes as dry-cleaners are few and far between in Europe as well as quite expensive.
Italians rarely wear shorts unless they’re at the beach, so if you don’t want to stick out as an American tourist, wear long pants or skirts (short skirts are fairly common). Also, remember that entering churches requires that both men and women wear garments that go below the knees and that cover the shoulders (short sleeves are OK).
Some recommended clothing items for your checklist:
- Jacket and/or sweater for the cool evenings
- Rain coat, jacket, or umbrella for the rain
- Swim suit and towels if you want to go to the public pools
- Jewelry-don't bring expensive jewelry-it attracts attention and thieves!
- Toiletries: bring your own brands of shampoo, conditioner and other cosmetics (contact solutions, feminine needs, etc) as these things are usually more expensive in Italy and/or difficult to find in the brands you want. We recommend you bring these items in two smaller plastic bottles rather than one large, as you may discard the used one.
- Medicines: bring your own vitamins and any other necessary medications. Also, bring an extra pair of glasses or contacts in case yours break or are lost. If you are using prescription medication, bring enough for the duration of your trip as refills will require a visit to the doctor.
- Shoes: apart from what you want to wear in performance, make certain you have a comfortable pair for walking--Italian streets and sidewalks can be very uneven and hard on high heels and shoes in general! You might want to bring some band aids for blisters just in case.
Co-ordinate your clothing so you can bring less. Also go for things that resist wrinkles.
Italian texts are provided by the Istituto Cultura, but you may want to bring the following items:
- Pencils (with erasers), Hand-held pencil sharpener, Pens
- American Style Notebook--Italian ones are available there
- Italian/English pocket dictionary--very important!
- A guide book to Italy
- A good book in English (to read for your own entertainment when your brain is too full of Italian!)
- 2 Passport-size photos for your school ID
- Pitch pipe
- iPod, discman and/or portable tape recorder with head sets (tapes and batteries are available in Arezzo, but they are more expensive)
PASSPORT
If you do not already have one, please obtain one immediately as it often takes up to 8-10 weeks--apply at your post office. You may not leave the country without this. It is a good idea to make 2 Xerox copies of your passport--keep one at home and put the other in your luggage or your apartment in Arezzo. Contact the nearest post office to find out where you can receive passport applications. (Oberlin students: Elyria Post Office: 323-0263). The cost of a new passport: $85, to renew your passport: $55. Birth Certificate, Driver’s License required for proof of identification – or old passport, and two passport size head shots needed to submit with your application. These photos can be taken at a nearby Wallgreen’s Drug Store in Elyria. We do not recommend sending important documents in the mail – it is worth the drive to take your documents. You might also like to access passport application form and information.
MONEY BELT
It is wise to have some type of money belt or neck pouch in which to keep your passport, money, credit cards, etc. Rome is famous for purse snatchings--having your valuables in a safe place is extremely important!
ATM MACHINES AND TRAVELER’S CHECKS
The best way to get Euros is to use cash withdrawal with a debit or credit card (check the back to see if it has the CIRUS signs for international cash machines). Do NOT exchange US dollars for Euros at the airport, as exchange fees will cost you up to 10% of the amount that you are exchanging. Check with your bank about their fee policies for withdrawals in foreign currencies before you leave. ATMs are the easiest and cheapest way to obtain cash and are plentiful in Arezzo. If you must use traveler’s checks, we recommend American Express checks as these are the easiest to cash and there is no extra fee for doing so at the American Express Offices (Milano, Florence, and Rome). It is always better to bring more money than you think you will need, but you may also make cash advances on your credit card at the banks. You should have a record of your credit card numbers in case you loose it or it is stolen. Also, maintain the record for your travelers' checks in a separate place.
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